J. Darrell Watson

March 18, 1947 - July 14, 2020

J. Darrell Watson, 73, of Lanier County, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020, after a brief illness. Darrell was born on March 18, 1947 in Nashville, Georgia to the late Vera Mae (Cook) and Billie James Watson. Darrell was hardworking, loyal and had the best sense of humor. Darrell spent his life serving those in his community, mainly working in law enforcement. He was a game warden for the State of Georgia for 30 years during which time he received the Georgia Peace Officer of the Year Meritorious Service Award in 2001 along with his longtime friend and colleague George Tharpe. Darrell also served as the area manager for Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. He loved telling his grandsons about his adventures as he and others built the boardwalk and observation tower at Grand Bay they still enjoy today. Darrell also served as the Chief of Police for the City of Lakeland and was the coroner of Lanier County. Darrell was a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Vietnam war. He spent the majority of his younger years farming tobacco. He also was a member of Lakeland Masonic Lodge #434. Darrell lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, always lending a helping hand to others in need, even if it was just sharing a good laugh. Darrell was passionate about his family. He was a proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle who loved his family with all his heart. If you met him, you never forgot his good nature and genuine smile. Darrell leaves a lifelong legacy behind that will always be treasured. Along with his parents, Darrell is preceded in death by his older brother, Douglas Bige Watson. Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Kim Atkinson Watson, whom was affectionally known only to Darrell as Kimberly, sons Douglas Carter Watson and Byron Darrell Watson (Marnie), grandsons Perry Charles Watson and Turner Douglas Watson, sister Billie Joyce Weldon (Bobby), nieces Pam Weldon, Tracie Schwab, Shaila Ellis, Keri Ann Atkinson and Emilly Atkinson, nephews John Hunter Atkinson and Will Atkinson, and great-nephews Colby Lee Schwab and Billee Bige Schwab, mother-in-law Dianne Knight, brothers-in-law John Atkinson and Michael Dunn, and fur baby Chloe. A private service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020. The service will be livestreamed through the Music Funeral Services Facebook page. Please leave a comment so the family knows you are in attendance. For those that wish to show support for the family on Saturday, please line Main St. from Hwy 221 to Hwy 135 while the funeral procession is heading to the cemetery. The procession will come through Lakeland around 5:00 PM. A public viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Southside Baptist Church. The family will not be there; however, friends can view and sign a guestbook or leave a note of remembrance for the family. Mask and social distancing are required. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com The Watson family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services in Lakeland, Georgia.